Backing higher buildings; Ikea runs short; and Ryanair hopes to call Boeing’s bluff

A significant majority of people favour taller buildings and higher density developments as a means to increase housing supply in urban areas, according to a new survey, writes Eoin Burke-Kennedy. The finding runs counter to the trend of trenchant opposition to such developments, with younger people more open to living at height.

Ikea says that supply chain problems mean that up to 10 per cent of its stock is not currently available to its Irish customers. Charlie Taylor reports that coronavirus is being blamed in part although there is a suspicion that Britain's Brexit issues with hauliers are also playing a role.

Ryanair has ended negotiations with Boeing for a very large order of Max 10 aircraft after the two sides failed to come close to agreement on price, writes Colin Gleeson. "Boeing have a more optimistic outlook on aircraft pricing than we do," said Michael O'Leary, pointing to the crux of the stale mate in talks that have been ongoing for 10 months.

Sticking with aviation, Colin also reports that Emerald Airlines has been granted its air operator certificate, making it Ireland's newest airline. Emerald will operate the Aer Lingus regional franchise, formerly held by Stobart Air, for the next 10 years.

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The Irish Farmers Association has urged to Government to grab the opportunity presented by Brazil's decision decision to suspend beef exports to China. Eoin Burke-Kennedy notes that the South American powerhouse supplied 43 per cent of China's meat imports last year but is now grounded by mad cow disease outbreaks at two meat plants. IFA president Tim Cullinan said the decision by the Brazilian authorities to stop exports to China "presents a huge opportunity for our beef sector".

Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin has published legislation to remove an exemption from the new Part V social and affordable housing measures for developers who have acquired land in the past five years. He argues that recent Government legislation to increase the supply of affordable housing gives developers a break on the new rules until after 2026, resulting in the loss of thousands of affordable homes across the State.

Laura Slattery wonders in her column whether the (limited) resurgence of the vinyl business in music provides a template for the print media.

In personal finance, Fiona Reddan looks at share options and what unwelcome tax surprises they might bring for their recipients. There are several variations of such schemes and they all have different rules.

In Q&A, a couple who became accidental landlords during the property crash want to know what the tax implications of selling their former homes now will be. And a man whose parents helped get his family on the housing ladder is worried that selling the home might deliver a nasty tax shock.

Finally, Leinster flyer James Lowe talks to Tony Clayton-Lea about his financial priorities in what can be a notoriously short-term career.

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